Not your typical Gen Y "what's in it for me?" candidate.....

I'm introducing a candidate to my client this morning. (Yes - I do have clients. In fact it was 2 days ago my phone rang with my client on the other line. We hadn't spoken in a while but he keeps my number in his cell phone and doesn't call anybody else. But that's not the topic today......

We often hear from our clients the need for "character, motivation and taking ownership" among many other somewhat vague qualifications. Typically it's hard to nail those qualities down with your average applicant. In this case - his achievements in his personal life set him head and shoulders above anyone else we're looking at. I thought I would share:

Among the many qualifications this kid brings to the table above and beyond his 1.5 years of hands-on experience and 3.98 GPA have me thinking a bit.

He is an Eagle Scout.

He volunteered to coach for Special Olympics.

He led a Habitat for Humanity project over spring break in 2005. (Rather than spend his week in a drunken stupor on South Padre Island competing in keg stand competitions.)

He's been on several missions trips.

He spends his spare time playing piano and singing at nursing homes (which he has done since 2002)

Working with this guy has given me a fresh look at how hard it really is to stand out. And he does! I can tell he isn't the typical Gen Y "what's in it for me" type. I'm doubting he had much time to waste on the couch with his eyes glued to some Xbox game.

As the father of 3 myself, I'm sure this guy's parents are proud of the leadership they must have shown him. He is on the right track. I just might give them a call and let them know they've done a great job!

Comment by Sandra McCartt on October 25, 2010 at 10:47pm: Me, cynical?? Of course not, after decades of dealing with assholes, liars, crooks and thieves not to mention every flavor of whack job on the planet i get along well in this business because i "just love people", have a basket of daisys that i take with me at all times, i believe everything i read on a resume, everything everybody tells me and i would never question the perfect candidate.

In answer to your question. What difference does it make? The result is the same. But..

If a person appears to have a dark side does that mean they are not a good person? In fact i hate that term. Old Alice is a little crazy but she's really a good person. So, that means she did not eat her first born child or she goes to church every Sunday before she goes home and pulls the heads off of baby chickens.

Holy Hell, sorry i pulled the meat off your sandwich. I will never again mention the porn addicted Eagle Scout who went on all those missions and made a world class monkey out of me after i sold him as not only a good web developer but....A VALUE ADDED, GOOD PERSON.

As Rayanne says, Gag, barf, puke

Comment by ryan morphett on October 25, 2010 at 11:48pm: HAHAHA, Ok Kudo's to Sandra for your last post as I have to admit I almost spat my coffee out I was laughing so hard.

Comment by Jerry Albright on October 26, 2010 at 9:51am: CB - I realize I can pull the post down - but thanks for the reminder.

Regarding whether I've placed this guy or not.....? I'm not sure what kind of staffing you are in - temps or somesuch - but professional staffing takes just a wee bit longer than 1 day. They'll be interviewing several and hiring the best fit.

Since they're all candidates from me I'll be happy helping them hire whoever is the best fit. If it happens to be "the kid" then great. If not - then I'll be happy to get him in front of my other clients.

Comment by Maureen Sharib on October 26, 2010 at 10:07am: Good story.
How long did that take Latham?

Comment by Jerry Albright on October 26, 2010 at 10:07am: The further this topics goes - the more absurd it becomes......

C.B. - are you saying now to avoid candidates who appear (based on all forms of screening recruiters use) to be the best fit for the client? I just don't get it here.

I made no mention of the school this guy attended. It's a fine school - but not Ivy League. So what's your point here?

Comment by Steve Levy on October 26, 2010 at 12:02pm: Didn't realize it was "Shit on Albright" Week here at RBC...Guess no one is busy making money.

Don't worry Jerry, I'm sure Penelope Trunk and her Gang of Gen Y Writers are ticking off the names of respondents to this thread as they pare down their Holiday card list.

Comment by Jerry Albright on October 26, 2010 at 1:17pm: I wouldn't have thought sharing a bit about someone who has a background full of accomplishment - both in and out of the office - would be stirring the pot Rayanne. I'm still perplexed as to exactly how it happened.

We hear all the time of how Gen Y is all about "what's in it for me" I thought it would be refreshing to hear about someone who shows that is not always the case. Little did I know so many would jump on the "he probably sucks" bandwagon. Not quite sure why it went that direction, but so be it.

I'm OK. He's OK. My client likes him. He likes me. He likes the client. The HR guy likes him. I like the client. My wife likes the fact that I like what I do. She likes her job. Her mom likes that I'm a good guy. It's all working out...............

#smileyface

Comment by C. B. Stalling!! on October 26, 2010 at 1:24pm: OK did not knopw we could not speak our minds so I deleted my comments if people felt they were to ruff....

Comment by Jerry Albright on October 26, 2010 at 1:33pm: C.B. - no biggie. You didn't need to delete anything on my account. I enjoy the dialogue - especially the ones that stretch my ability to comprehend.....

Comment by Sandra McCartt on October 26, 2010 at 4:09pm: I'm OK, you're OK...Transactional Analysis.

What is this, the shoot out at the I'm Ok, You're OK Corral? :)

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